In a world of mass production...handmade is the true luxury. --Beatriz Ball
General Product Care
Crista Maree furnishings are hand-crafted in the USA by our talented artisans to create individual works of art for your space.. Our finishes are hand applied using the finest materials and require little maintenance to preserve their beauty for many years of enjoyment. However, just like any piece of fine furniture, the delicate finish should be maintained and cleaned as one would care for a heirloom antique or art object.
Depending on the particular Crista Maree product, some materials and decorative finishes are more robust than others, but in general do not require any special maintenance other than light dusting or occasional wiping with a soft cloth dampened with clean water. Below are specific instructions for cleaning the various types of products and finishes we offer.
METAL PRODUCTS
Standard METAL Finishes / Powder Coats:
These finishes should be periodically dusted with a feather duster or wiped with a soft clean cloth (eg. cotton jersey or microfiber.) If heavy soils or stubborn dried stains remain, then clean water or a mild household cleaner (containing no abrasives, chlorines/bleach, or ammoniums) may be used.
If using a commercial cleaning product, always first test the compatibility of the cleaner with the painted finish in an inconspicuous area of the product. Use a soft clean cloth and apply a small amount of the diluted cleaner directly to the cloth and then gently wipe the iron finish surface; then remove any cleaner residue with a clean cloth dampened with water; then wipe dry. Inspect the treated area and the cleaning cloth; If you are satisfied that the finish is not visibly altered or transferred to the cloth, then you can continue with cleaning the rest of the product as needed. Clean any soils or stains using a gentle wiping motion. Complete the cleaning process by removing any cleaner residue with a clean cloth dampened with tepid water; then dry with a clean cloth.
Exposure to high humidity, liquids or abrasion / wearing of the clear sealer will accelerate the oxidation of the steel. This staining will not damage the integrity of the structure, but only cause a cosmetic change to the appearance. If water or liquids are used to clean the surface of the iron product, immediately dry the surface with a soft, clean cloth. Do not let air dry.
CAUTION: Never use hot water or caustic chemicals containing chlorine, ammonium, solvents, or adhesive removers to clean your Crista Maree product. Do not use abrasive cleaning products like Scotch-Brite pads, stiff bristle brushes, steel wool or scrapers to clean the finish of your iron product.
Signature Artisan and Premium Finishes:
Our Signature Artisan and Premium finishes are more delicate and have a variety of hand-applied mediums throughout the various layers required to accomplish the finish. These finishes require special care and instructions when attempting to clean them. The water soluble top coat is protected with several layers of a clear topcoat to preserve the finish. The clear water-based urethane topcoat acts as a protective layer for the delicate decorative finish, and once it is removed, the finish is susceptible to permanent damage.
For general periodic cleaning, use the light dry dusting method mentioned in the standard iron finish instructions above. For dried stains, use a clean cloth such as cotton jersey lightly dampened with cool water (never hot water) to gently wipe the surface of the soil or stain. If this method alters the finish – then stop. If these methods do not remove a difficult stain from your iron finish, professional cleaning and refinishing may be required. Consult Crista Maree or your local professional furniture re-finisher for advice.
CAUTION: Never use hot water or caustic chemicals containing chlorine, ammonium, solvents, or adhesive removers to clean your Crista Maree product. Do not use abrasive cleaning products like Scotch-Brite pads, stiff bristle brushes, steel wool or scrapers to clean the finish of your iron product.
WOOD PRODUCTS
Crista Maree wood furnishings are hand crafted from the finest selection of solid wood species, natural edge wood slabs and exotic veneers available. For case pieces, tables, and shelving, the wood surface may be finished with one of the many Crista Maree natural stains or paint coatings and top coated with a protective lacquer to preserve the natural beauty of the finish for years of use.
General Care and Maintenance
Keep wood furniture out of direct sunlight to avoid radiant heat and UV exposure that could alter or damage the finish. Store all wood furniture in a mild, climate controlled environment and away from direct heating and cooling sources (eg. fireplaces, stoves, AC units). Exposure to large or rapid temperature changes could cause expansion and contraction of the wood frame and possibly damage the product or its finish. Protect the wood surfaces from liquids, moisture, humidity and damaging objects. Use coasters or moisture resistant table pads when placing drink glasses, vases or other containers directly on surface of the finish. Use felt pads for accessories and objects that have rough or sharp surfaces. Blot up any spills immediately.
The recommended general care and cleaning for wood products is to periodically dust the surfaces using a high quality duster or soft, dry clean cloth. For soils and stains, tepid water or a mild cleaner designated for fine wood furniture may be used. Follow the same care and cleaning instruction listed in the standard iron finishes section above. Always test an inconspicuous area of the piece to ensure your cleaner is compatible with the finish. Immediately dry any moisture left from the cleaning process. Do not let air dry.
To repair damaged or worn wood surfaces, consult Crista Maree or your local professional furniture re-finisher for advice.
CAUTION: Never use hot water or caustic chemicals containing chlorine, ammonium, solvents, or adhesive removers to clean your Crista Maree product. Do not use abrasive cleaning products like Scotch-Brite pads, stiff bristle brushes, steel wool or scrapers to clean the finish of your wood product.
NATURAL STONE PRODUCTS
Table Tops | Counter Tops
Crista Maree stone products are natural materials that have been harvested from the earth and carefully crafted into beautiful accents for our furnishings. Stone materials have natural variations in color, texture and porosity and this is considered normal. Hairline cracks, mottling, staining and slight irregularities may be present or occur with time, but will not affect the integrity of the product and are not considered a manufacturing defect.
General Care and Maintenance
For general clean up, use warm water and soft jersey or microfiber cloth to clean the surface. For stubborn surface soils or stains, use a mild household cleaner or PH neutral product (containing no abrasives, chlorines/bleach, or ammoniums).
If products containing antibacterial or disinfectant agents are used, always test an inconspicuous area of the piece to ensure your cleaner is compatible with the finish. Always remove cleaning agent residue with a clean water rinse immediately; then dry. Do not allow large standing water drops to air dry, or temporary water spotting may occur. Stone products such as table tops or countertops can be maintained with a high quality stone sealer if desired.
CAUTION: Never use hot water or caustic chemicals containing chlorine, solvents, ammonium, vinegar or adhesive removers to clean your Crista Maree product. Do not use abrasive cleaning products like Scotch-Brite pads, stiff bristle brushes, steel wool or scrapers to clean the finish of your concrete product.
STEEL TABLE TOP PRODUCTS
Crista Maree steel tops may develop a naturally occurring patina with time. To slow the oxidation process, the steel can be coated with a protective clear lacquer coating. The coating forms a durable top coat that helps resist and slow down UV damage, humidity, abrasion, and oxidation. The coating is odorless, contains no VOCs, and is non-hazardous to humans. With normal daily use, and exposure to UV light, liquids or abrasion may cause the sealer to wear which may accelerate the oxidation of the steel. Any visible staining will not damage the integrity of the steel top, and only cause a slight cosmetic change to its appearance. This is normal and intrinsic to the industrial look intended for this product.
Cleaning Instructions
This steel top product should be periodically dusted with a feather duster or wiped with a soft clean cloth (eg. cotton jersey or microfiber.) If heavy soils or stubborn dried stains remain, then clean with water or a mild household cleaner (containing no abrasives, chlorines/bleach, or ammoniums).
If using an unlisted commercial cleaning product, always first test the compatibility of the cleaner with the finish in an inconspicuous area of the product. Use a soft clean cloth and apply a small amount of the diluted cleaner directly to the cloth and then wipe the surface; then remove any cleaner residue with a clean cloth dampened with water; then wipe dry. Inspect the treated area and the cleaning cloth; If you are satisfied that the finish is not visibly altered or transferred to the cloth, then continue cleaning the rest of the product as needed. Clean any soils or stains using a gentle wiping motion. Complete the cleaning process by removing any cleaner residue with a clean cloth dampened with tepid water; then dry with a clean cloth.
CAUTION: Never use hot water or caustic chemicals containing chlorine, ammonium, solvents, or adhesive removers to clean your Crista Maree product. Do not use abrasive cleaning products like Scotch-Brite pads, stiff bristle brushes, steel wool or scrapers to clean the finish of your iron product. Vigorous or aggressive circular or back and forth wiping motion with an abrasive cleaner or cloth may leave fine scratch marks in the coating.
No Crista Maree products or finishes are intended to be used outdoors UNLESS specifically indicated at the time of purchase and indicated on the purchase agreement. Any form of outdoor use voids any warranty, without written consent at the time of purchase.